Deposit in lieu of last month's rent - help please!

Joop06

Decided to delete

Sparkletoes35

If its not through an agency and "private" agreement, take pictures of all probems, keep all correspondance, pack your bags and run for the hills. The deposit covers the last months rent and you moved out due to unliveable conditions and a nightmare land"lady"!

Joop06

Decided to delete

amiehall

Honestly I think you should just stay in your current room while you look for another flat. Tell your LL to leave you alone. If your LL is harassing or threatening you then, considering how far your relationship has already broken down, I would just phone the police.

sacha28

Ok so the first thing you need to do is answer the phone to her next time she rings and inform her that, should she grace your phone or door again, you will be obtaining an harassment order. Everyone has the right to a peaceful life whether you are 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 years late with the rent.

The second thing you need to do is get a padlock and put it on the front door so she can't let herself in, she is breach of contract by doing this and is, therefore, breaking the law.

Thirdly, see a solicitor ASAP. You are able to sue for up to 3 times the deposit as she has failed to place it into a protection scheme. Again, breaking the law. Also speak to the council and report the un-inhabitable state of the property and gain advice on what to do next.

I do not think that witholding the rent is unreasonable, given the circumstances, and you should not settle for her keeping your (unlawfully unsecured) deposit either.

You can refuse entry to the flat for any work taking place until after you have left.

Sparkletoes35

Check that she is actually a registered landlord otherwise she will be in trouble. If you're really scared, tell her you've depositied the rent (not in writing via txt tho) and you've contacted your bank tonight but they've informed you that cos it's the weekend, it should appear in her account on Monday... gives you a peaceful weekend at least then come Monday if she bothers you, go to the police and report harrassment. If youre only gonna be "sofa surfing" for time being then can you not round your family and friends this weekend and try to get out asap!

Joop06

Decided to delete

sacha28

Assuming you are classed as an occupier with basic protection, Shelter says.....

Repairs
The law says your landlord has to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes:

the roof
guttering
walls (but this doesn't include internal decoration)
windows and doors.
Your landlord must also keep the equipment for the supply of gas, electricity, heating, water and sanitation in good repair. Your landlord may have extra responsibilities to repair depending on what your tenancy agreement says.

You are responsible for looking after the property. This might include unblocking a sink or changing a fuse when necessary. You may also have other responsibilities depending on what your tenancy agreement says.

Your landlord must have a valid gas safety certificate for any gas appliances in the property. Any furniture provided should be fire resistant.

If your accommodation needs repairs inform your landlord or agent. If the repairs are your landlord's responsibility and are not done, there may be ways you can force your landlord to carry out the work.

Also...

Illegal eviction
If your landlord tries to evict you without getting a court order it may be a criminal offence. Your local council should help if you have been illegally evicted or harassed by your landlord.

Get advice if this is happening to you. Use our directory to find a local adviser or call our free housing advice helpline.

How much notice did she give you? If you're not an occupier with basic protection, what type of tenancy do you have?

Whatever tenancy you have, she still has no right to enter your property without giving you the 24 hours notice, as outlined in the agreement you both signed, she is still in breach of contract for doing so. And she is still harassing you for rent that isn't yet classed as late!

darren_clarke

your ll cant take you to court to evict you unless you are 3 months behind on the rent, go to council and report her for harressment, then CA, don't pay her keep ur money and move out,


how much notice did she give you,

Joop06

Decided to delete

Talc1234

Hang in there. She never intended to return you your deposit.

Change your lock.
If she threatens or harasses you in any way call the Police